Essential checklist: Documents you need for the US tourist visa
Here is a list of some essential documents necessary to apply for a US tourist visa for travel and other purposes
New Delhi: A US visitor visa requires the completion of various requirements including submission of essential documents such as income proof and a letter explaining the purpose of the visit etc. Also known as the B1/B2 visa, obtaining a US tourist visa is one of the hardest and most time-consuming processes as compared to other countries and their visa application requirements. Here is a list of some essential documents necessary to apply for a US tourist visa for travel and other purposes:
1. DS 160 confirmation page
According to the DS 160 Form filling guide for B1/B2 visas, Indian residents have to fill out the non-immigrant DS 160 Form which provides information about various aspects. Being a non-immigration document, the DS 160 Form serves as proof that an individual wishes to enter the US for travel, business, or medical purposes only. After submission, the applicant receives a DS 160 confirmation page.
2. Valid passport
The next and most essential document to obtain a US tourist visa is a valid passport. The passport issued by the Indian government serves as proof of identity and allows an applicant to get a visa for the US and other countries. With a validity of more than 6 months, the applicant must submit the passport to the US embassy for US visa approval. Moreover, the passport must have at least 20 blank pages for visa affixation.
3. Visa interview appointment confirmation:
Applicants must possess a US visa interview appointment confirmation page that they must submit for the interview round.
4. Recent passport-size photographs:
Passport-sized photographs are essential as well to obtain a US visa. The photos should be recently clicked with at least 80% of the photos showing the face of the applicant with a neutral white background.
5. Proof for purpose of visit:
Applicants must even possess and submit documents that serve as proof for the purpose of a visit to the US. Letter of invitation from US companies for conference and meetings for B1 visa and travel itinerary and hotel and flight confirmation for B2 tourist visa.
6. Financial proofs and associated documents:
Applicants must even submit essential documents serving as proof of financial soundness like income statements, bank statements, etc. Applicants must submit salary slips, income tax returns of the past 3 financial years, bank statements, and other proofs of assets and investments, etc.
7. Documents validating ties to home country:
A document that serves as proof of ties to the applicant’s country is necessary to obtain a US tourist visa. Documents like employment proof from an Indian employer, birth or marriage certificates, property ownership documents in India, etc. These documents serve as proof for US embassy officials that the applicant will return to his home country after the expiration of the US visa.
8. Medical Insurance:
The applicants must even take travel medical insurance and submit the associated documents to the US embassy officials. Essential in case of medical emergencies, medical insurance offers protection against unforeseeable healthcare expenses when traveling to the US.
An applicant has to submit the above-mentioned documents along with other proofs that US visa officials prescribe. Applicants can either prepare such documents on their own or opt for the services of a professional company like Atlys. The company offers services necessary for US tourist visa application and approval. Assisting clients with document preparation and submission, they help applicants get access to a US visa without any hassle.
